Ans. – (i) All the plants and animals in an area are interdependent and interrelated to each other in their physical environment thus, forming an ecosystem. Human beings are also an integral part of the ecosystem.

(ii) What factors are responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India?

• These forests are restricted to heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats and the island groups of
Lakshadweep, Anadaman 86 Nicobar, upper
parts of Assam and Tamil. Nadu coasts. They are at their best in areas having more than 200cm of rainfall.

• These forests are the most widespread forests of India. They are spread over the regions receiving
rainfall between 200 ern and 70 cm. They are found in north- eastern states, Jharkhand, West Orissa, Chattisgarh, the plains of Bihar and
Uttar Pradesh.

• These forests are evergreen. It means
they do not shed their leaves in any season.

• These forests shed their leaves once a year in
order to minimise evaporation in dry seasons.

• These forests are dense

• These forests are less dense.

• Ebony, mahogany, rose- wood, rubber and cinchona are important trees of these forests.

Ans. Different types of vegetation found
(i) Tropical Evergreen forests
(ii) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(iii) Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
(iv) Montane Forests
(v) Mangrove Forests
Description of the vegetation found at high altitudes:
At high altitudes, generally more than 3,600 metrs above sea-level, temperate forests and grasslands give way to the alpine vegetation. Silver fir, junipers, pines and birds are the common trees of high altitudes. However, they get progressively stunted as they approach the snow-line. Ultimately, through shrubs and scrubs, they merge into the Alpine grasslands. These are used extensively for grazing by nomadic tribes like the Gujjars and the Bakarwals. At higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of tundra vegetation.

Q5. Quite a few species for plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?

Ans. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India because of the following reasons:
(i) Hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes. Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste.
(iii) Acid deposition.
(iv) Introduction of alien species.
(v) Reckless cutting of forests to bring land under activation and inhabitation.

Ans. Our country has a rich heritage of flora and fauna. It is one of the twelve mega bio-diversity countries of the world. With about 47,000 plant species India occupies tenth place in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. There are about 15,000 flowering plants in India which account for 6 per cent in the world’s total number of flowering plants. The country has many nonflowering plants such as ferns, algae, and fungi. India also has 89,000 species of animals as well as a rich variety of fish in its fresh and marine waters.

Ans. – Wildlife is the nature’s gift to the human beings. It is important for us in a variety of ways. It plays a major role in balancing the ecot:y stern. It maintains the bio-diversity. It forms the major component of the ecosystem and food chain. In its absence the complete ecosystem will be imbalanced. One major example of this is the Sahara Desert which was caused due to the abolition of some wildlife species.

(iv) Write the script of a street play giving the importance of tree plantation and try to enact it in your locality.

Ans. – Importance of Tree Plantations: Trees are being cut on a massive scale nowadays. This has adverse effect on our environment. Hence, it is necessary to spread awareness among the common mass about the importance of tree plantation. Trees are the saviour of our life. They provide us a variety of things without which it is difficult for us to sustain our life. They give us nutritive fruit. There are a number of medicinal plants which can treat several diseases like blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc. Trees attract clouds and become the cause of rainfall which is important for life and cultivation. They play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. Tree plantation is the only way to save our life and our earth.

(v) Plant a tree either on your birthday or one of your family member’s birthday. Note the growth of the tree and notice in which season it grows faster.